Cúcuta, Colombia – In the aftermath of the dramatic seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, the country is grappling with an uncertain future as a new reality begins to take shape. While some Venezuelans have welcomed Maduro’s downfall, others remain cautious and even fearful of what the future may hold.
Marcelo, a student based in Caracas, is among those who are pleased with Maduro’s removal, although he is careful not to celebrate openly. “There are still allies of Maduro that are in power, so there are a few reasons why we don’t celebrate outside of our houses,” he told the BBC World Service. “But I can assure you that the majority of the people of Venezuela are very happy for what happened.”
However, not everyone shares Marcelo’s sentiments. Rosa Contreras, a 57-year-old Venezuelan, expressed a sense of “humiliation” at the apparent ease with which Maduro was seized by the US. “It seems so easy how they took our president away,” she said.
The operation that led to Maduro’s capture was not without casualties, as dozens of people, including 32 members of the Cuban security forces, were reported to have been killed. This has added to the unease and uncertainty felt by many Venezuelans.
Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice-president, has taken power in the interim, but her close ties to the former president have raised concerns among some Venezuelans. “If this is the price we have to pay for a government transition, then I accept it,” said a 33-year-old masseuse, who does not support Rodríguez.
The prospect of further military action by the US has also sparked fear among the population. Gelén Correa, a 50-year-old who works in government social programmes, was defiant, saying that the Venezuelan people “deserve respect” and that they are “armed to the teeth” in preparation for a potential second ground attack.
The economic and social challenges facing Venezuela also remain a source of concern. Some Venezuelans reported significant price increases for basic goods, such as cornflour and bread, while others described a sense of fear and uncertainty on the streets, with military presence and the threat of violence from government supporters.
As the country navigates this turbulent period, Venezuelans are left to grapple with the uncertainty of what the future may hold. While some see Maduro’s seizure as a step towards a better future, others remain cautious and wary of the potential consequences.